We're celebrating our amazing employees during our 50th anniversary year, highlighting team members who have helped make KEPHART who we are today.
This month we're introducing you to Principal and Director of Land Planning, Adam Kantor.
What interested you in starting a career in land planning?
Honestly, I wanted to be a gardener, but it took me some time to find the right career fit. I worked as a landscaper and in construction, but always loved design and decided to pursue that. Architecture was my first thought, but I ultimately ended up studying Landscape Architecture which turned into the role I have today.
What was it like when you started at KEPHART?
I was introduced to Chris (Grady) through Tom Kopf. He had worked with Chris in the past (a looooong time ago) and when he didn’t have enough work to support me, he thought Chris and I would be good fit. I started here at KEPHART in May of 2012. At the time, the land planning department was just Chris and me.
How did your role evolve over time?
I came to KEPHART with mostly a design background. I had been working on high-end master planned communities, golf courses, resorts, things like that. I did a lot of site design, graphics, AutoCAD, etc. I did not know a lot about architecture. I’ve had to build that knowledge over time. Now as Director of Land Planning, I’m really focused on making sure that the clients we’re working with are getting exactly what they need. I see land planning at KEPHART as the gateway to the core of our business, architecture. I try to ensure that everyone I speak to knows who we are and what we can do, while showing our clients that we are experts who know what we’re talking about, and we can help.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Number one is definitely the people I work with daily, especially our clients, and getting to know them over time. I also love using my skills and knowledge to help solve problems, so when I can display expertise in a subject and help someone get where they’re trying to go, it’s rewarding for me. I really enjoy educating our clients on processes, what’s happening in different jurisdictions, and in the nuances of the housing types we design. I also like being able to share that knowledge with municipal leaders as I understand their code, and why their code can make it difficult to execute a particular housing type. I also appreciate the challenge of bringing all project stakeholders together and getting everyone onboard with a project.
What is your favorite KEPHART project you’ve worked on?
Outlook Nine Mile is my favorite. It took a lot of problem-solving on the front end before we could start designing. It’s a large mixed-use project, about 15-acres, and includes both commercial and residential uses. I’m also biased because I live nearby and get to shop at the Lowe’s.
What is your favorite part about KEPHART?
There is a lot. I’ve been able to grow here. KEPHART has absolutely changed my outlook on a lot of things. The nurturing and supportive environment has allowed me to create a role that suits my passions. The Enneagram has also been huge for me personally and professionally. If you have the right mindset, you can make KEPHART what you want it to be. If there’s something you want to do, that is in the best interests of the firm, KEPHART will encourage you to do it. I think that level autonomy and the freedom of being here has let me become my best professionally.
